Zamboanga the Movie

Visit to community Patalon. Community by the sea. Fifty-two sponsored children and parents along with three sponsored aging welcome us to the tune, Zamboanga – Hermosa y Preciosa. A strong typhoon hit this community this past November 2007. Fishermen earn an average of 150 pesos/day. They fish with small nets, sometimes in the day, sometimes in the evening, sometimes all night long. In general, they say there are fewer fish these days. Some days are lucky, some days are not. The community, led by CFCA parent and area volunteer Irlinda, creates a very special atmosphere of unity and joy. There’s music, food, speeches and dances. Really relaxing home visits in the community with ocean breezes. The two families we visited had 12 and 10 children respectively. The three aging assured everyone they were going to dance for the entire concert.

Conversations with Abbas about his seven years in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, his thoughts on Filipino architecture, and his love for westerns and country music. He says he’s proud to follow international standards in all his designs regarding doorways, counter heights, stairs, etc. However, he longs for a more distinct Filipino architectural style. He says much is borrowed from the outside. On country music, he says it’s always so happy!

Visit to Kabaluay community and home of area volunteer Edgar. Today is the barangay- wide fiesta. Most houses are having some sort of family get-together along with activities in the community. After a meal of lichon and buku-salad, we sit on the small front porch of CFCA father and area volunteer Edgar. Not enough building projects and high transportation costs are challenges for Edgar. Edgar was approached to run for barangay captain, but he decided to stay as lead CFCA area volunteer. He quoted CFCA policy on not mixing the program with politics. He talks of the loneliness both he and his wife experienced while she was in Bahrain for two years and he was home. They have agreed that neither will go abroad because they miss each other too much. He’s a carpenter by trade and his house really shows pride of workmanship. He’s painted the living room wall a light pink picked out by his daughters.  

Late night discussion and planning with the team.